CHECKMATE - Annmarie McKenna

Samhain Publishing - www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN: 1-59998-326-5

February 2007

Erotic Paranormal Romance – Werewolf and Psychic

Rated: Red Hot!

The area in and around St. Louis, Missouri - Present Day

Eli Graham has been in love with his best friend’s little sister Nikki for years. He’s put off claiming her as his mate thinking the time wasn’t right. But after a security job kept him out of the country and far from her side for eight months, Eli isn’t going to wait any longer to tell Nikki he loves her and that she’s meant to be his woman. His only concern is how she’ll react to the news that he’s a werewolf.

Nikki Taylor has just lived through the worst eight months of her life. An attack by three men nearly resulted in her being raped and losing her life. The men were never caught and she lives in fear every day, but tonight she’s going to reclaim her life and party with her friends. When she arrives at her friend Lou’s house, she discovers all three of her friends dead and the murderer still there. Narrowly escaping, Nikki finds herself in the hospital with a gunshot wound. Then Eli walks in, just what she needs, the man she’s secretly loved for years, finding her broken in body and soul. There’s no way he’ll look at her the same way again, will he?

As an Alpha werewolf, security expert, and Nikki’s mate, there’s no place Eli belongs more than at her side. He’ll keep her safe and find the men who dared to harm his love, or die trying.

CHECKMATE will grab you from the very first page and take you on a wild ride. Nikki gets into more trouble in eight months than any one woman should face in a lifetime. Left with a scar on her face after the first attack, the more important scars are written on her spirit. She’s understandably uncomfortable around all men (except her family members) and she’s convinced that Eli will never be able to love the shadow of a woman that she’s become. Eli is a man in love, he doesn’t give a fig about Nikki’s physical imperfection and only wants to spend the rest of his life keeping her safe and cherishing her. The heat generated by this pair is blazing hot and Nikki doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance at resisting Eli (or his wolf side). Together the two will face danger and develop the loving relationship that they’re meant to have.

Caelan (Eli’s twin) and his mate, Tieran, are integral to the story and offer necessary support; everything from someone to drive Eli and Nikki home from the hospital to an understanding ear when Nikki finds out about Eli’s “furry” side. Nikki’s brother Derek is supportive and protective, everything an older brother should be. The men who attack Nikki are typical thugs, and though what they do is horrible, it can’t compare to the true villain of the piece, the man who kills Nikki’s friends. Seeing his crimes through his eyes will send a shudder up your spine.

CHECKMATE is another excellent story from Annmarie McKenna. I started reading on break at work and waited on pins and needles for lunch to arrive so I could find out what happens next. My advice? Don’t start reading this book until you have an uninterrupted space of time, so you won’t experience the same frustration. If you haven't read SEEING EYE MATE (Caelan and Tieran’s story) yet, I would definitely recommend that you do before starting CHECKMATE. They’re both great reads and you’ll enjoy them more if you read them in order. CHECKMATE is a fabulous blend of danger, sizzling sex, and a love story that will warm your heart. Stop by Samhain and get your copy today.

Lori Ann